The English language consists of many homonyms (terms that sound alike but have different or unrelated meanings.) Some of those types of words are paid vs. payed. “Paid” is the past tense of pay, whereas “payed” believe it or not, is an actual word that revolves around boats. If you want a more thorough explanation, read on!
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What Is Payed?
While you are most likely aware of the definition regarding transactions, pay can also have a nautical meaning. That’s where we get “payed.” The term pay originates from the Middle English peien or paien, which means to appease or pacify. Over time, “payed” evolved specifically in nautical jargon to refer to the process of sealing the seams, joints, or other parts of a boat with pitch or tar.
Examples:
- Two sailors payed the front of the boat with tar.
- Sherry untied the knot and payed out the rope.
- The spar of the boat was payed with grease.
- Charlie payed out the rope, but it wasn’t long enough.
- The crew of the fleet payed the deck of a ship.
When and How to Use Payed?
It isn’t used often, but this nautical-related term refers to using sealant (or other waterproof material) to line a boat’s planks, the act of letting out a rope or chain on a boat, or moving a ship in the direction the wind is blowing. Keep in mind that letting out a rope that doesn’t involve or concern a boat is not the correct usage of this word.
What Is Paid?
Since you most likely aren’t using “pay” to talk about boats, you’re going to want to use “paid.” This is the only correct past tense form of the word “pay.”
As you might have noticed, this is different than how we normally make a verb past tense. Pay is an irregular verb, meaning you shouldn’t add “-ed” to form its past tense. Instead, it has its own unique form – you drop the letter Y and add -id.
Fun fact: The past participle of the verb is spelled the same.
Examples:
- I paid off my car last month.
- The company paid a hefty compensation settlement agreement.
- We paid more for this vacation than expected.
- Adam gets paid at the end of every month.
- He was a pirate and paid ten years for his crimes.
- I have paid my dues.
- This is a paid position.
When and How to Use Paid?
There are many ways to use the word “paid.” Here are some instances:
- When describing the action of paying in the past tense, you will want to use the word “paid.”
- When something is purchased with money or any financial transactions, you “paid” for it.
- When you need to give recompense for something you have done, you will have “paid” for it.
- It can also be used as an adjective for when money has already been given, like having already paid the bill.
Payed vs. Paid: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between payed vs paid lies in their usage and context.
“Payed” involves boats. Waterproofing boats, letting out ropes, or changing directions are all times you should use “payed.” In everyday language, paid is the standard past tense form of pay that you would use in most situations. So, “payed attention” is wrong and “paid attention” is correct.
Trick to Remembering the Difference
A useful trick for remembering the difference between “paid” and “payed” is to associate the latter with maritime contexts and the former with the past tense of pay. In short, “payed” is a rare word that doesn’t come up in everyday conversations; “paid” is a more common term. Of course, context is crucial in determining which word to use.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, navigating the differences between “paid” and “payed” can be interesting, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Just remember: Boats equal payed and everything else is paid.
And if you are stuck with the spelling, remember that pay is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense form is different than the common -d or -ed ending.
